Begich Statement on ConocoPhillips LNG Export Application

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after ConocoPhillips filed with the U.S. Department of Energy to authorize the export of 40 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“With all the Southcentral utilities having gas under contract through March 2018, this is a welcome boost to the Kenai Peninsula economy. Even seasonal shipments of LNG will add jobs and create incentives for exploration and competition, helping to keep prices lower for Alaskans.”

“It was with this circumstance in mind that I invited Chris Smith, Acting Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy, to visit the facility this summer. That trip will pay dividends in terms of increasing his knowledge of our resources and market when it comes time to approve a new export license. “

Sen. Begich, along with the Alaska Delegation, supported a two-year extension of ConocoPhillip’s Nikiski LNG export facility’s permit, in July 2010. The facility began operation in 1969 and for more than 40 years was the United States’ only LNG export facility. It ceased operations with the lapse of its export permit in March of this year.